Arc-extinguisher for electric switches or cut-outs



(No Model.)

A. H. EDDY.

ARC BXTINGUISHER FOR ELECTRIC SWITOHES OR GUT-OUTS.

No. 391,594. Patented Oct. 28, 1888.

Zz'ize WITNESSES: INVENTOR.

A TTORN E YJ.

UNITED STATES PATENT astes.

ARTHUR H. EDDY, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 891,59 dated Get-ob:23, 1888.

Application filed December 90, 183,7. Renewed August-'31. 1888. SerialX0. 2 1,296. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ARTHUR II. EDDY, a citizen of the United States,residing at Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State ofConnecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inArc-Extinguishers for Electric Switches or Cut-uts; and I do herebydeclare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of theinvention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which I itappertains to make and use the same.

In such devices as fusible cut-outs and switches for electric circuits,particularly on those of comparatively high tension, there is alwaysmore or less danger of the receding contacts or the melting fusemaintaining an are between the portions of the line opened thereby, andcausing a fire or doing other damage. The danger is still greater whenthe tension is very high. In all cases it is very important to place theformation of an are between the parts absolutely beyond possibility, andto do this is the object of the present invention.

My invention consists, briefly, in a switch or cut-out so constructedthat immediately following the act of rupture of the circuit a fanbladeof non-conducting material will be set in rapid motion across the pathwhich the arc would take, whereby if a tendency to are is present itwill be literally blown out.

The invention further consists in the combination and arrangement ofdevices for the above purpose, all substantially as hereinafter fullydescribed and claimed.

In the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a plan and sideelevation of a simple form of fusible or safety catch embodying myinvention. Fig. 3 is a plan view of one form of switch provided with myextinguisher.

On the base A, I place two blocks, I), each of which carries a curvedspring-plate, c, having their adjacent ends bent oppositely, and, forconvenience of securing the fuse,their ends are perforated, as shown.Each plate carries a fan or vane ofmica, (Z, and the fuse e, of lead orother metal or alloy, is held in the position shown by Fig. 1, its formbeing preferably that of a round wire with two flattened portions nearthe ends. The normal position of the springs c is much farther apartthan shown in ,Fig. 1, as the springs are drawn into a position oftension in setting the fuse. Now, when an excess of current flows overthe line .trated in Fig. 3.

the fuse e melts o softens and releases the tension of the springs,which instantly fly apart, as indicated by the arrows, and in doing sothe two fans (Z of mica fly violently past one another and blow out anyare which may have formed. Obviously the principle of action may beembodied in a great variety of specific forms, which being within theknowledge of those skilled in the art need not be further detailed.

The invention applied to a switch is illus- H is the base, and thecircuit is made by the lever I entering between the clips K and brokenby withdrawal therefrom. A mica plate, Z, is fixed at one side of thepath of withdrawal, and on the other side a mica fan-blade, m, ispivoted on the base and provided with a tail piece or tappet, n,projecting in the path of the lever I or an extension thereof. lVhen theleverI is withdrawn from the clips K, and the circuit thus opened, thelever strikes the tappet and causes the fan at to fly across the path ofwithdrawal of contact of the switch-lever, and, as in the case of thefusible safety-catch, instantly extinguishes any are which may haveformed.

The foregoing is a single illustration of my invention as applied to acutout; but it also may be indefinitely varied. I therefore do notconfine myself to any particular form or style of cut-out or fusible, asform is not of the essence of my invention; but

What I do claim is as follows:

1. In combination with a circuitopener, one or more movable fan-bladesadapted to be set in motion by the act of opening the circuit and flyacross the line of withdrawal or separation, substantially as described.

2. A circuitopener provided with one or more movable blades ofinsulating material adapted to movement across the arc-forming line anddependent for operation upon the act of opening the circuit,substantially as described.

3. In a circuitopener, one or more movable fans, in combination withactuating mechanism dependent for operation upon the act of opening thecircuit and adapted to exert a fanning action across the arc-formingline, substantially as described.

In testimonywhereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

XVitncsses: ARTI-ililt II. EDDY.

ARTHUR L. Bnroos, Gno. T. Barons.

